Sakyamuni Buddha

NEPAL; Licchavi Kingdom

The sculpture was created during the Nepalese Licchavi Kingdom (circa 300–879) and shows Indian influence. The Buddha stands with head slightly lowered and the body’s weight on the right foot, causing the hip to sway to one side. The right hand opens in varada (wish-granting) mudra, while the left hand is lifted to adjust the close-fitting monastic robe through which the shape of the slim body shows. The robe’s evenly spaced folds in the fabric fall in waves down its length. The body shows several of the Buddha’s Thirty-Two Marks of Excellence, including the usnisa surmounted by a gem, the pendulous earlobes, three lines on the neck, and webbed fingers.
An inscription along the sides of the plain pedestal states the statue was dedicated by the monk Dhyanadeva for the liberation of his parents and all beings.